There are many ways to celebrate Christmas this month in Tavira, which has unveiled a varied programme of events including concerts, an ice rink and nativity scene displays.
If you’re looking to do some Christmas shopping, the town will be hosting several handicraft fairs, with vendors selling not only their unique creations but also local produce that you can only find in the Algarve.
The fairs will take place on December 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 24 at Jardim das Palmeiras, between 10am and 8pm, except on Christmas Eve when the closing time will be 1pm.
Shopping locally at participating establishments will also give shoppers a chance to win vouchers, thanks to an initiative organised by Associação Baixa de Tavira.
There will be no shortage of entertainment in the eastern Algarvian town with several musical performances due to take place at Mercado da Ribeira.
The inaugural concert will take place tomorrow (December 11) with a performance by Grupo de Cantares ‘Searas de Outono’ at 4pm, while the Jubilate Deo choir will take the stage on December 19, also at 4pm.
The live music programme also features performances by Marta Hugon (December 20), Coral Vozes do Imaginário de Évora ‘Cantos ao Menino, Reis e Janeiras’ (21), Gospel Collective (22) and Helena Madeira (23).
On Saturday, December 18, an ‘arruada’ (a musical parade) led by Al-Fanfare will liven up the town’s streets at 10.30am, followed by a Christmas concert that night at Igreja do Carmo by the Filomúsica Ensemble at 9.30pm.
Several nativity scenes are also on display in Tavira and can be visited until January 6 at the municipal fire station, town hall and Mercado da Ribeira.
A nativity scene created by the local scouts’ group CNE – Agrupamento 100 Tavira will also remain on display until January 7.
Another highlight promises to be the ice rink and Santa’s house, which have been set up near Mercado da Ribeira, where they will remain until December 30.
The local council warns that, due to the pandemic, there will be strict rules for events taking place indoors. Seating has been reduced in order to “ensure social distancing”, and mask-wearing will be mandatory.
To access these events, at least one of the following documents must be presented: a digital Covid-19 certificate, proof of full vaccination completed at least 14 days ago; or proof of a negative PCR test carried out in the last 72 hours before the event or negative antigen test carried out in the last 48 hours before the event.
